Leisurely stroll through the main gate, tower base, and reconstructed Ninomaru Garden
About this spot
This is a flat castle by the sea built in the early Edo period as the residence of the Asano clan, known from "The Loyalty Memorial," and is designated as a National Historic Site. The reconstructed main gate, corner towers, and views of the moat surrounded by stone walls convey glimpses of the former castle town. Interestingly, a main keep was never actually built here—only an impressive tower base remains, a unique tale of this particular castle. Climbing the tower base offers a panoramic view of the main enclosure and castle town below. The Ninomaru and Honmaru gardens, which can be enjoyed by walking around a pond, are designated National Places of Scenic Beauty, allowing you to leisurely savor the seasonal greenery and water views. Admission is free, and the garden paths are easy to walk, so grandparents traveling with grandchildren can explore at their own pace. The long house gate near Oishi Kuranosuke's former residence is also close by, and walking both sites with Ako Oishi Shrine allows you to fully experience the setting of "The Loyalty Memorial."
Tips
About 15–20 minutes on foot from Banshū-Ako Station; just a short walk from Ako Oishi Shrine. Admission is free, though the main enclosure and Ninomaru garden typically open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so morning visits are recommended. The garden paths are flat and accessible with strollers, though the stone steps of the tower base should be climbed slowly using handrails. Parking is available nearby.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. A morning visit while the gardens are open and when sunlight beautifully illuminates the stone walls and moat is recommended.
Access & map
〒678-0235 Hyogo Prefecture, Ako City, Kami-Karikaya
Model course featuring this spot
Ako: Castle Town of the Loyalty Memorial and Cape Ako-Misaki
Hyogo
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.